Van pushes back despite disaster

By Britne Reeves

Staff Writer

Emergency operations continue in Van through the combined effort of law enforcement agencies, relief organizations and hundreds of volunteers.

Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Chuck Allen credits the generosity of people across the state and the nation with helping the community after a tornado May 10 destroyed 90 homes and damaged 110 others cutting a path through Van 10 miles long.

“I never would have dreamed that we would be this far along with recovery as we are at this time,” Allen said. “We have no other place to put all of the physical donations.”

Although physical donations are filling up the buildings, monetary donations are still needed.

For those wishing to make a donation, Austin Bank in Van and Van Community Ministries Tornado Disaster Relief Fund are two sources certified by the city of Van to take donations. To make a donation online, visit Van Community Ministries website vancm.org using PayPal.